This name is not universally accepted. Caesalpinia major is treated as a synonym of Caesalpinia globulorum Bakh.f. & P.Royen in some treatments.
In a recent revision of the genus (Edeline Gagnon et al; A new generic system for the pantropical Caesalpinia group (Leguminosae) PhytoKeys 71: 1-160; 2016), it has been proposed that this species be renamed Guilandina major (DC.) Small. It is almost certain that this change will come about, but we are awaiting an authorative revision of the genus Guilandina before moving this species[].

Common Name: Mato Amarillo

General Information

Caesalpinia major is a spiny, climbing shrub producing woody stems up to 15 metres long and 4cm in diameter[, ]. The stems and leaves, with their recurved spines, make a thicket of this species practically impossible to move through[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Guyana; C. America - Belize, Guatemala; Caribbean to SE N. America (Florida); Madagascar, India, Sri Lanka to Philippines, New Guinea

Habitat

Found in a variety of coastal habitats, thickets and disturbed places, as well as in primary forest, at elevations up to 1,000 metres, exceptionally to 1,400 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Climber
Height	12.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The roots are anthelmintic and tonic A decoction is drunk to rid the body of parasites, and also in the treatment of rheumatism and backache[].

The roasted and ground seeds are drunk as a kind of coffee to cure respiratory illnesses[].
The gray seeds are used in the treatment of diarrhea. Three of the seeds are cracked and boiled with three young fruits of lada (Morinda citrifolia) and three plants of maigo lalo (Phyllanthus amarus). The resultant tea is very bitter and is taken internally[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Like many species within the family Fabaceae, once they have ripened and dried the seeds of this species may benefit from scarification before sowing in order to speed up and improve germination. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing[].

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